MH Wilds Beta Test Extension Considered After Sudden PSN Outage

Monster Hunter Wilds is exploring a 24-hour extension for Open Beta Test 2 following this weekend's PlayStation Network outage. This article details the potential extension and the events leading up to it.

24-Hour Playtime Interruption for PS5 Users

Due to the PlayStation Network outage, which lasted 24 hours (beginning 6 PM EST on February 7th), Monster Hunter Wilds (MH Wilds) is considering a one-day extension to Open Beta Test 2. The outage rendered all online console gaming impossible, impacting the MH Wilds beta. PlayStation Network service was restored around 8 PM EST, according to the official NA X (Twitter) support account.

While the exact timing of the extension hasn't been announced, a 24-hour addition is planned to compensate for lost playtime. This could occur anytime between the end of Beta Test 2 Part 2 and February 27th, the day before the game's official release. Part 1 of Beta Test 2 is complete, and Part 2 starts February 13th at 7 PM PT. Players can rejoin the fun, perhaps encountering the amusing bug that transforms characters into low-poly, low-resolution blobs.

The Hilarious Low-Poly Bug Returns

Capcom acknowledges the beta build's outdated nature, resulting in bugs like the infamous low-poly character glitch (caused by texture loading issues). This glitch transforms characters, Palicos, and monsters into blocky versions of their usual selves.

Instead of frustration, fans have embraced the humorous glitch, sharing their low-poly experiences on social media. Some even hope the game will acknowledge its polygonal origins. GamesRadar+ reports that the MH Wilds team is aware and amused by the bug, but recommends players experience the full, polished game with appropriate hardware upon its release.

Monster Hunter Wilds, the latest in the acclaimed series, features an open-world setting ("The Forbidden Lands"). Players investigate this mysterious region and its apex predator, the White Wraith. This highly anticipated action-RPG launches on PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on February 28th, 2025.

PlayStation Network’s Most Significant Recent Outage

PlayStation's NA X (Twitter) support account attributed the outage to an "operational issue," apologizing for the disruption. PlayStation Plus subscribers will receive five extra days of service as compensation.

However, the lack of communication during the outage drew criticism, mirroring concerns from a similar 2011 incident. That outage, caused by a hacker attack, resulted in a three-and-a-half-week service interruption (April 20th to May 14th) and compromised approximately 77 million accounts. In contrast to the recent event, Sony provided regular updates during the 2011 outage.